British Labour MP Gareth Thomas has launched a public campaign calling for direct flights between London and Jaffna, arguing that the lack of a nonstop route places an unfair burden on Britain’s large Tamil diaspora.
Thomas, who represents Harrow West — home to one of the UK’s most significant Tamil communities — has initiated a petition titled “Bring Direct Flights to Jaffna.” The campaign says British Tamils routinely travel to Sri Lanka’s Northern Province for family visits, weddings, funerals, religious festivals and cultural events, but face a long and difficult journey after landing in Colombo. With no direct flights to Jaffna International Airport, passengers must travel roughly 400 km by road or rail, often taking six to seven hours.
The petition argues that this additional journey is especially challenging for elderly travellers, families with young children, and those returning for time‑sensitive occasions. It says a direct route would strengthen intergenerational ties, ease travel for vulnerable passengers, and reinforce cultural and religious links between British Tamils and Northern Sri Lanka.
Beyond family travel, Thomas frames the proposal as an economic opportunity for the north of Sri Lanka. Direct international access, he says, could boost tourism, attract investment and support development in a region that remains far less connected than Colombo.
The campaign calls on the UK Government, Sri Lankan authorities, airlines and London airport operators to jointly explore the feasibility of a London–Jaffna service. However, no airline has yet agreed to operate the route, and the petition does not outline a timeline. Its immediate goal is to build public support and encourage aviation stakeholders to assess commercial and operational viability.
Any future service would depend on Jaffna International Airport’s ability to handle long‑haul aircraft and meet regulatory requirements. The petition notes that development of the north’s two main international gateways — Jaffna International Airport at Palaly and Kankesanthurai harbour — has long lagged behind, with Tamil communities accusing successive governments of neglecting infrastructure that could improve regional connectivity.
Currently, travellers from London to Jaffna must rely on multi‑stop itineraries, with no direct flights available from Heathrow or other London airports.
Harrow Labour is promoting the campaign locally, distributing QR codes and encouraging residents to sign the petition online.
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